What Is an Average Time for Running a Mile?

Although there is no documented average time for running a mile, seven to 10 minutes is often cited as the average time for a person who is in pretty good shape. Many factors impact the amount of time a 1-mile run takes, including age, gender and fitness level.

In-shape runners in early adulthood typically run a mile faster than older runners. Even professional runners slow down with age. Gender also influences the average time it takes a person to run a mile, as women statistically run 1 mile slower than men of the same fitness level. Those who are new to running may take 15 minutes or longer to complete a mile run.